It is difficult to beat any opponent twice in one season. And that task is even harder when the opponent is a county rival and one of the state's top teams.

But top-seeded Kinnelon, No. 10 in The Star-Ledger Top 20, used its depth to defeat second-seeded and No. 11 Mendham, 92-78, for the second consecutive season in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Public B final last night at the Raritan Bay YMCA in Perth Amboy.

"We knew that we were going to have to swim our best to beat them," Kinnelon coach Brian Boardman said. "They're a great team. They bring the best out of us, and we stepped up today. It feels good."

Kinnelon, which had beaten Mendham during the regular season, benefited greatly from a four-race stretch early on despite not registering one first-place finish during the span. From the 200-yard individual medley through the 100 freestyle, Mendham won all four races. However, Kinnelon garnered 33 of 64 possible points and led, 53-41, through six races.

"It really shows how much of a team we are," Boardman said. "We knew going in that if we swim the way we're capable of, we can get those thirds, fourths, and fifths. We keep on telling these girls, 'two-three-four is better than first.' "

"It's all in your mind," Heffernan, a sophomore, said. "Even though I was so tired, you just have to put it in your mind to be positive and know that you have to give it your all. If you have any doubt in your mind, it can ruin your whole race."

Kinnelon was victorious in the 200 medley relay (1:53.98) while Mendham was first in the 200 freestyle relay (1:40.72) and 400 freestyle relay (3:39.30).

Kinnelon will swim in the Public B state semifinals on Tuesday against an opponent that is to be determined. The meet will take place at either West Windsor-Plainsboro North or West Windsor-Plainsboro South.

"We all have to work together," Heffernan said. "Everyone needs to really fight for it. It's a whole team effort, I can't stress that enough."